Celebrate freedom for those who can't

Most people today are waking up to family celebrations, opening gifts and preparing for big meals. It’s Christmas, and we’re free to celebrate, or not, any way we wish.

There are plenty of less-free places to contrast. For now, think about North Korea, often called the world’s largest prison.

This past week, after the death of dictator Kim Jong Il, the nation pitched itself headlong into the throes of forced mourning. Even though the “Dear Leader” has been responsible for the deaths of millions of his countrymen by starvation, his subjects wailed and shed tears on his behalf.

The massive army of North Korea exists primarily to prevent its people from escaping. Conversely, our military exists to protect us from harm. We’re free to come or go as we wish.

This holiday season, we should say a prayer of gratitude for those who keep us free – and for the freedom one day of those who don’t even know what it means.